MINI Aceman EV shows up in Paris ahead of global launch

Update (November 20, 2024): ‘U.S. launch’ updated.

The MINI Aceman, which celebrated its world premiere at Auto China 2024 in April, is coming to global markets this November. At the 2024 Paris Motor Show last month, I got the opportunity to check out the new electric crossover in person. Here’s what I think about the MINI Aceman from my first-hand experience:

Design

The MINI Aceman features a playful design and some tough styling bits, which together give it a proper urban crossover look. The headlights, although angular instead of traditionally round, look expressive, which is typical of a MINI. Customers can use them in their DRL in three different modes. An octagonal grille dominates the front, again a departure from the traditional design work (hexagonal grille). 

The Aceman embodies the brand’s new design language – “Charismatic Simplicity.” The flat integrated door handles, the flush-fitted roof rails, the clean surfacing without too many character lines, and the exclusion of side scuttles go well with the “simplicity” part of the theme. Protective cladding across the length safeguards the body from stone chips and scratches.

At the rear, large horizontal surfaces highlight the EV’s wide and planted stance. The upright rear lights have three distinctive graphics. An elongated roof spoiler gives the EV a sporty appearance, while at the bottom, a prominent underride protection element on the bumper conveys the model’s ruggedness.

Interior

The MINI Aceman has an interior reduced to the essentials, and the most noteworthy example of this philosophy here is the exclusion of a dedicated instrument cluster. A 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment system with fluidic graphics integrates the functions of a driver information display. Users can upload their desired image from their smartphone to the infotainment system and set it as the display background.

The dashboard features curved surfaces and a knitted material covers its surface, giving a homely vibe. Two projector units project different patterns and colors onto the dashboard as per the drive mode and also the dominating colors of the custom wallpaper on the infotainment system. The signature toggle bar integrates essential driving functions like the start/stop key, gear selector, electronic parking brake, and drive mode selector.

My experience with the MINI Aceman

From my experience at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, the MINI Aceman feels mostly like a raised hatchback on the inside. The ingress and egress feel more like a hatchback than a crossover.

I liked the creative use of materials that define the brand. The seat comfort felt impressive, with excellent side bolstering that kept me snug, and the back support was equally solid. Under-thigh support was great, and despite being six feet tall, I found the headroom adequate, even with the panoramic glass roof.

When I shifted to the rear seat, legroom was tight—my knees brushed against the seat backs. While headroom was fine, which is impressive, I still feel the rear seat is better suited for average-sized adults or kids.

Specifications

The MINI Aceman is available with a 42.5 kWh battery pack in an ‘E’ variant and a 54.2 kWh battery pack in an ‘SE’ variant. Both variants have only one motor, which powers the front wheels. The E variant’s motor generates 181 hp and 214 lb.-ft. of torque, while the SE variant’s motor develops 214 hp and 243 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Aceman E does 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 99 mph. With its battery pack fully charged, it can cover a distance of 192 miles, as per WLTP. The Aceman SE accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds and achieves a top speed of 106 mph. It delivers a WLTP range of up to 252 miles.

Price

In France, the MINI Aceman’s prices start at EUR 33,550 (USD 35,543).

As the new Countryman has climbed up a segment, it leaves enough space for MINI to launch a premium entry-level crossover without the fear of cannibalization. The Aceman could be the perfect car for customers of the Cooper Electric who want a raised seating position, added ground clearance, and rear doors.

U.S. launch

The Aceman’s production currently takes place in China, which would subject it to a steep 100% tariff for the U.S. However, the new electric crossover will also be manufactured in the UK starting in 2026 and should arrive stateside from there the same year. Here, it will compete with the Volvo EX30, which is preceding it in 2025.

In April 2024, BMW Group showcased nearly 40 upcoming models, including the MINI Aceman, to dealers in Las Vegas, Automotive News reported. Some of the dealers felt good about the pure electric small crossover and their positive feedback could strengthen the business case for its U.S. launch.